A coordinated effort spanning multiple police forces has resulted in a significant blow to criminal drug gangs operating in Wiltshire.
In collaboration with Avon and Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, Gloucestershire, and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU), Wiltshire Police, alongside the charity CrimeStoppers, have executed Operation Scorpion, aimed at eradicating drug-related crime from the region.
Operation Scorpion’s seventh phase, aptly dubbed a ‘Ring of Steel,’ has targeted drug trafficking activities, disrupting county lines, and dismantling criminal gang operations. During the operation, a total of 176 disruptions were made, effectively thwarting drug dealing activities and ensuring community safety.
Furthermore, joint efforts with partners such as the British Transport Police and the Metropolitan Police have bolstered the crackdown on drugs, extending the operation’s reach to local railway stations and beyond.
Amidst the crackdown, three children exploited by County Lines gangs were safely rescued, underscoring the operation’s focus on safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
The results of Operation Scorpion speak volumes:
- 31 arrests made
- £24,000 in illicit cash seized
- Class A drugs, including cocaine and heroin, valued at £33,600
- 27 individuals safeguarded
- 79 cuckooed addresses visited
- Weapons seized, including firearms, knives, a Samurai Sword, and nunchucks
- Numerous assets seized, including a car, designer jewellery, and clothing
Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “This iteration of Operation Scorpion has seen some great outcomes as a result of well planned and executed operations by Wiltshire Police and the other four Forces across a week of intensification.
“Operation Scorpion demonstrates a border-less approach to policing to reduce the serious harm and violence caused by drugs across the whole region, as drug crime isn’t just a problem in urban police areas.”
Detective Superintendent Charlotte Tucker from Wiltshire Police highlighted the operation’s multifaceted approach saying “We are pleased with the results of this iteration of Operation Scorpion as our officers and staff managed to not only seize substantial amounts of illegal drugs and proceeds of crime like cash and assets, but also safeguarded many vulnerable people.
“We are attempting to make Wiltshire safer by taking illegal substances off the streets, arresting those who deal them as well as dismantling those criminal gangs and County Lines.
“Equally as important is the work we are doing to protect and help those vulnerable victims – often children and young adults – who are exploited to become part of these criminal networks. Our work this time has led to three children, who were from outside of our area, being returned safely to where they live. “Safeguarding these vulnerable people is our priority along with protecting all in our communities.
“We know that those living in our towns and villages are often affected by this type of criminality which causes misery and harm to our communities.
“Our work doesn’t stop at the end of this operation. We know that those who supply and distribute illegal drugs operate in a border-less way, creating complex networks of drugs lines across the region. We will continue to take a strong and robust stance against this sort of exploitative criminality.
“Our message is clear – Wiltshire and the South West is no place for drugs.”
To report information anonymously, individuals can contact Fearless.org or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.
